Early Life and Playing Career

Hodgson was raised in a working-class family; his father was a bus driver, and his mother worked as a baker. He attended John Ruskin Grammar School in Croydon, where he began playing football for the school team. During this time, he was also part of the Crystal Palace youth setup.

Although he played as a defender, Hodgson never reached the top tiers of the professional game. His playing career included stints at several lower-league clubs: Crystal Palace (1965–66), Tonbridge (1966–69), and Gravesend & Northfleet (1969–71), where he also completed his coaching qualifications. He combined football with teaching physical education, working at Alleyn’s School while playing for Maidstone United (1971–72). His journey continued with Ashford Town (Kent) (1972–73) and South African side Berea Park (1973–74), before concluding his playing career at Carshalton Athletic (1974–76), during which he taught at Monks Hill Comprehensive.

Early Managerial Career in Sweden

Hodgson’s managerial career began in Sweden with Halmstads BK in 1976. In a remarkable turnaround, he led the club—previously battling relegation—to two league championships in 1976 and 1979. His success in Sweden laid the foundation for his international career.

After five successful years in Halmstad, Hodgson joined Bristol City as assistant manager (1980–82), though financial difficulties led to his departure. He returned to Sweden to manage Oddevold (1982–83), though the club was relegated. A more positive stint followed at Örebro SK (1983–84), where he secured promotion to the top Swedish league, Allsvenskan.

From 1985 to 1989, Hodgson managed Malmö FF, guiding them to five consecutive league titles and two Swedish Cups. Though European success eluded the team under his leadership, he remained highly esteemed by the club and its supporters.

International Recognition and Switzerland Tenure

Hodgson took over Swiss club Neuchâtel Xamax in 1990, leading them to third and fifth place finishes in the league over two seasons. His performance attracted the attention of the Swiss national team, whom he managed from 1992 to 1995. He led Switzerland to the last 16 in the 1994 FIFA World Cup and secured qualification for UEFA Euro 1996, marking one of the nation's most successful football eras.

Inter Milan and Club Success in Europe

From 1995 to 1997, Hodgson managed Inter Milan in Serie A. He led the club to the UEFA Cup final in 1996–97, though they were defeated. Despite the achievement, his tenure was blemished in the eyes of fans by the departure of Brazilian star Roberto Carlos, who cited disagreements with Hodgson as a factor.

Hodgson moved to Blackburn Rovers for the 1997–98 season, steering them to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League. He returned briefly to Inter Milan in 1999 as interim manager before taking the helm at Grasshoppers (1999–2000), finishing fourth in the Swiss Super League.